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Teigen Allen roaring with APIA

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Heralded as one of the biggest signings of the National Premier Leagues NSW Women’s competition, Matildas star Teigen Allen has lit up the league as she sets her sights on a huge year with the APIA Leichhardt club.

The 26-year-old defender who has played for the likes of Sydney FC, Western Sydney Wanderers, Melbourne City and more recently the Melbourne Victory in the W-League knew that APIA was the right fit in continuing her football journey.

“When the W-League was coming to an end, I was looking for my next move with football.

“After reaching out to a few clubs, I weighed up my options.

“I wanted to make the right decision and to be involved in a professional football environment – I wanted to continue to grow as a footballer and be surrounded by like-minded players as well.

“After speaking to Matteo and a few of the girls, I knew then and there, APIA was the club for me.”

Currently boasting a 100% record having won three of its opening matches as well as scoring an impressive 13 goals in the process, the APIA side has been on fire and have been labelled the team to beat by the many NPL NSW Women’s fans and followers alike.

Having the likes of star players such as Princess Ibini-Isei, Georgia Yeoman-Dale and Deborah De La Harpe at their disposal as well as Allen’s presence has only further enhanced the squad’s capabilities of a big season ahead.

“We are all enjoying our football and growing as a team as each week passes.

“Getting to know each other as a player and a person in my opinion is one of the most important things to have in a successful team.

“In saying that, having a good backroom staff is vitally important. Matteo Maiorana and Alex Cicco have both built such a strong feel of togetherness which is led by determination and professionalism that I personally have so much respect for.”

The NPL NSW Women’s competition continues to grow from strength to strength as seasons roll by.

Known as the Premier NPL female competition in Australia, the former NSWIS and AIS graduate has been impressed with the quality stars it has attracted throughout the years and continues to do so with this rebooted season.

“Without a shadow of a doubt, the amount of talented footballers that are currently playing in our NPL is exceptional.

“It definitely levels out in each team and makes every game a challenge which is what we as footballers want week in week out.

“I am revved up and excited to play some formidable football.

“The quality on the pitch within each NPL team is staggering and is great to be a part of.”

All eyes will be fixed on this Sunday’s massive must watch encounter as Allen and co face their toughest obstacle yet as they take on last season’s Champions Sydney University set to be live and exclusive only on NPL.TV with kick off set for 3pm.

“It’s going to be a great match with two really good squads set to go head to head and one myself and the girls cannot wait to play in.”

Having been capped 40 times for the Westfield Matildas, Allen is hoping that more call-ups will come her way in the not too distant future.

“I hope so, I am only just getting started so of course I am hoping for many more appearances with the Green and Gold.”

Friday 26th June 2020 will go down as one of the most memorable moments in the Australian Football game – it was the day the nation along with neighbours New Zealand won the right to host the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup, a moment Allen and the entire Australian Football community would cherish forever.

“I was at home in Sydney with my sister Keisha who is playing for Blacktown Spartans waiting for the final announcement.

“I was over the moon when the decision was announced.

“It’s given us as a country a massive opportunity to focus and properly expose the women’s game to a whole another level.

“The growth and talent the Matildas and female football in Australia has shown over the past couple of years is only a glimpse of how good we can be.

“There is so much room for further growth and development and getting the FIFA Women’s World Cup in 2023 gives us more reason to really invest into the Women’s game from grassroots to the top and to show the world how amazing Australia can be.”

Siemsen flying high at Manly

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It didn’t take long for gun striker Remy Siemsen to find her feet once more in the National Premier Leagues NSW Women’s competition with the 20-year-old notching up four goals in the club’s first two matches for the newly rebooted season.

A brace in Manly’s opening 4-2 win against the Football NSW Institute and another two-goal haul against the Emerging Jets last weekend has really set the engines roaring for Siemsen.

“I’m really happy with the start of the NPL NSW Women’s season and to bag four goals in two games has been a great feeling.

“I am hoping to score plenty more goals this year and more importantly win as many matches as possible.

“My teammates have provided great service and we seem to be gelling really well which we hope will continue throughout the rebooted season.”

Siemsen has once again felt right at home at Cromer Park after returning back to her old stomping ground following another decent W-League campaign with Sydney FC.

“COVID unfortunately put the brakes on a few opportunities in Europe, so it was a no brainer to play back at my junior/senior club Manly United – the club has been so welcoming and it’s great to be back with a great group of teammates and staff.

“After a fun and rewarding W-League season, I’ve been working extremely hard and Manly has been so understanding regarding my drive and aspirations to go overseas in the near future and developing my game even further.

“I’m absolutely thrilled and happy to be back playing football and games again. I’ve been training full-time and I’m excited to be able to play games again with my teammates. You can see the excitement from coaches to players, creating a fun and happy environment.

“My goals and ambitions for this season is to contribute wholeheartedly to my team and hopefully win the league. I believe we have the squad to definitely achieve that goal.

“Personally, I just want to develop my game further and further each week and look forward to future opportunities here and abroad.”

North Turramurra Recreation Area will play host to a eagerly anticipated local derby as Manly United tackle the Northern Tigers this Sunday afternoon with kick-off set for 3:30pm.

The game, which will be shown live and exclusive only on NPL.TV, is set to be one tough encounter between two fierce opponents as both teams look towards taking out another three points for the season.

“Northern Tigers have always been a tough competitor and have some great players like Ellie Brush and Servet Uzunlar.

“We are really looking forward to a big match this Sunday and playing our natural game at North Turramurra where hopefully we’ll come away with the 3 points.”

Away from the game, the former NPL NSW Women’s Player of the Year winner has kept herself busy working casually at the local bowling club and has also assisted in various football clinics run by Sydney FC.

“I currently work casually at the local bowling club and help coach at a few Sydney FC clinics locally.

“I also study but I’m hoping to resume online University this coming semester.

“Training has become a full-time affair with plenty of travel to train with boys as well as with Manly United and technical sessions which has kept me very busy.”

Coach Gameiro enjoying the experience

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Former Australian Youth international Corey Gameiro has set his sights on continuing his progress as a future coach, currently assisting Jamie Gomez at Football NSW Institute’s Under 17’s Girls side in the National Premier Leagues NSW Women’s competition.

The former A-League attacker, who spent some time in the A-League with Sydney FC, Melbourne City, Wellington Phoenix, Brisbane Roar and the Central Coast Mariners has been a busy figure at Football NSW’s headquarters where the 27-year-old has been given the opportunity to commence his coaching journey.

“I’ve had a fantastic start so far with the coaching staff and group of girls at the Institute.

“Working with young professionals, who, if developed and mentored the right way, could go on to play for the Matildas is something that means a lot to me.

“I’ve represented my country on many occasions and there is no better feeling to help some of these young players achieve that goal and the same dream I had is really special to me.

“We have also implemented striker sessions that I take weekly throughout the whole Football NSW program.

“I’ve been working with the attacking players to provide more one-on-one time as well as working through specific shooting techniques, composure in front of goal, timing of runs and a host of other tools.

“Seeing the players responding to the teachings and improving in these areas so quickly has been very rewarding.”

The former Lake Heights FC junior was delighted when Football returned to NSW pitches once more following the COVID-19 lockdown with the NPL NSW Women’s competition in full swing.

“It’s been great being back running drills with Jamie and watching the team develop at each training session and match.

“The return to training for us was challenging at times given the rules and restrictions in place.

“What’s made it easier was that the players attitudes and commitment to adhering to the restrictions have been really positive.

“Coaching throughout the COVID restrictions wasn’t too bad in terms of setting up sessions. From my perspective, it gave us a chance to work on all of the players individual technical skills. For example; because of the social distancing requirements, every player was given a ball which meant they were able to achieve more touches on the ball. As a child, that’s when you’re able to develop your technical skills because it’s just you and the ball and nothing else.

“However it must be said, we were all looking forward to the reboot of the Women’s season, weekends with no football just didn’t feel right to me and I know that was replicated by the girls as well –  we all couldn’t wait to get back to work.”

The women’s game in the country continues to develop and prosper now more so than ever thanks to the recent landmark decision of Australia and New Zealand hosting the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup.

Gameiro stated that this was a great opportunity to further promote the female game to the rest of the nation and the world with the sport benefiting in a number of ways.

“Australia hosting the FIFA Women’s World Cup in 2023 is massive.

“Women’s football is growing rapidly here in Australia and I think hosting the tournament is only going to encourage more girls to start playing the game.

“I also think its hugely important for the younger players in the Future Matildas program and any young girl aspiring to play at a high level to see the senior players wearing the green and gold for our country on home soil.

“It will be really inspiring and a great motivator for the players to want to train harder to make it to the top.”

Gameiro, who also played in our very own NPL NSW competitions with the Wollongong Wolves and St George City, hasn’t ruled out a return to the game, as injuries have plagued the gun attacker’s progress to the top.

“I do miss playing football and I have no doubt I will be back playing again.

“I’ve been working hard over this last year to get my body feeling great and back to where I should be.

“My last season with the Mariners was extremely tough physically, mentally and emotionally. After seeking guidance from people I trust, the best thing for me was to take a step back and work on myself mentally and physically so that I could work towards feeling strong in both areas.

“It’s been so nice not to contend with any pressure to rush back or be forced back early and roll the dice on staying fit.

“I’m in such a great place now and I can’t wait for the next opportunity that comes up because I know from all the work that I’ve done and am still doing – I’ll be ready for it whenever it presents itself.”

One aspect that has changed Gameiro’s life for the better has been Fatherhood.

His partner and well-known passionate Australian Football Television Presenter/Journalist Lucy Zelic became proud parents to little girl Mila, a bundle of joy that has given the dynamic duo so much happiness.

“Fatherhood is just amazing.

“It’s so nice to have something other than football to wake up to every morning.

“This is the first time in 12 years that I’ve had a year out of professional football and to be able to spend days with just my daughter and watch her grow so quickly has been a blessing.

“Fatherhood has really changed me as a person. It has softened me and slowly taught me to have patience, which I definitely didn’t have before Mila came along.

“Having Lucy as a partner is so much fun. We are both football fanatics and every morning, the first thing we talk about is who beat who overnight, or which transfer rumour is out there at the time. We’re also both massive Liverpool supporters which helps!

“A few months back we drove to Canberra and for the entire 3-hour trip, we did nothing but talk about Australian football.

“Between the two of us, we never run out of things to talk about, especially when it comes to the game.

“Lucy is one of the most passionate football lovers we have in our country.

“I see and hear her on the phone every day, emailing, hosting zoom meetings and working non-stop and it’s all because of her love for the game. I’m very proud of her and how hard she works for football in this country.”

Round 2 Review – NPL NSW Women’s

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If COVID-19 didn’t stop it, neither would a downpour as round two of the NPL NSW Women’s competition got under way.

NWS Koalas 2-0 Northern Tigers

It proved to be the commentators curse at Christie Park as the favourites Northern Tigers went down to a spirited NWS Koalas.

As the rain poured down, it was the home team that took control from the outset.

They looked menacing, in particular Sophie Harding who gave the Tigers right side all kinds of trouble.

Mid-way through the first half they were rewarded for their good play.

Annika Clayton’s sublime back heel on the edge of the area allowed Alisha Bass to run onto the ball and place it in the bottom corner of Eliza Campbell’s goal, giving her no chance.

The Tigers looked to respond but couldn’t create a more serious opportunity.

It would be the home side that would double their advantage as the half came to a close.

Sophie Harding exploded down the left, got to the by-line and cut back for Amy Sayer who made no mistake with the finish.

As they relentless rain continued, came the half time whistle.

The home side held onto their advantage till the end of the game to hand new head coach Adam Keramea.

Manly United 4-1 Emerging Jets

Manly United welcoming the Emerging Jets to Cromer Park on Sunday afternoon.

It was the home side that took control of this one from the first whistle and ran out 4-1 winners.

Remy Siemsen continued her goal scoring form, picking up a brace while Sunny Franco and Tara Andrews scored the other two.

Bankstown City 1-6 Macarthur Rams

It was a whitewash at Jensen Park as the Macarthur Rams comfortably overcame Bankstown City.

The Rams hit the front early but were pegged back soon after by Georgia Plessas, picking up a rebound.

The Rams restored their advantage just before the break before putting another four into the Lions net by full time, rounding off a 6-1 victory.

Patty Charalambous and Ivana Galic both bagged braces while Khamis got the other.

FNSW Institute 1-2 APIA Leichhardt

At Valentine Sports Park the Football NSW Institute pushed APIA Leichhardt all the way but weren’t able to take anything for their hard work.

Leading by one goal at the break, the Tigers had control of the game.

The Institute wouldn’t go away thought and fought till the end, but it wasn’t enough as APIA came away with a 2-1 win.

Ash Palombi and Georgia Yeoman-Dale scoring for the away side.

Sydney Olympic 0-0 Sydney University

A late venue change saw Sydney Olympic and Sydney University face off at Valentine Sports Park.

Both teams battled hard and Olympic almost had the breakthrough as Cortnee Vine hit the bar just before half time.

Neither team could break the deadlock in the second period and the spoils were shared.

Illawarra Stingrays 1–1 Blacktown Spartans

At Ian Mclennan Park, it was a fine affair between the Illawarra Stingrays and Blacktown Spartans.

The Stingrays opened the scoring in some style through Caitlin Cooper from some way out, giving Casey Dumont no chance.

A howler in the 35th minute had the Spartans back into the game as Sally James slipped in possession allowing Linda Dudek to equalise.

Neither side could find a winner in the second period as the points were shared.

By – Nikola Pozder, NPL NSW Women’s Writer

Round 2 Preview – NPL NSW Women’s

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Round two, now that sounds good!

NPL NSW Women’s top tier football continues this week as we take a look at the six juicy fixtures taking place this Sunday.

 

Manly United v Emerging Jets

At Cromer Park on Sunday, Manly United host the Emerging Jets.

Manly continued where they left off pre-COVID, scoring goals and winning matches. They’ll look to continue that with Remy Siemsen leading the line.

The Jets almost pulled off the surprise of the round but capitulated late against the favoured Sydney Olympic. They’ll take heart from that match and result though moving into the United fixture.

 

Illawarra Stingrays v Blacktown Spartans

Down the coast, the Illawarra Stingrays welcome the Blacktown Spartans to JJ Kelly Park.

It looked as though the Stingrays were on their way to a round one win but fitness levels dropped in the second half as APIA over ran them. They’ll be better for 90 minutes this week and will look to improve.

A perfect start for the Spartans at home in round one but should they pick up all three points on Saturday, they will really be proving a point.

 

Bankstown City v Macarthur Rams

Two teams coming off losses meet at Jensen Park on Sunday as Bankstown City and Macarthur Rams do battle.

A heavy defeat round one was far from what Bankstown expected and they will need to improve quickly in this sprint finish.

The Rams pushed the champion’s but didn’t have the strength to roll them over and will be confident they can bounce back on Sunday.

 

Sydney Olympic v Sydney University

Valentine Sports Park hosts Sydney Olympic and Sydney University on one of the Matches of the Round this Sunday at 5pm.

They pushed hard and were finally rewarded late last week but if Olympic wants a win on Sunday, they’ll need to take their chances as Cortnee Vine takes on her old team.

A tough game first up but Alex Epakis’ team showed why they are the champions, coming away with a tight win. Everyone wants their scalp and this week will be no different.

 

FNSW Institute v APIA Leichhardt

FNSW Institute welcome APIA Leichhardt Tigers to VSP on Sunday.

The Institute fought a hard fight against Manly last weekend but couldn’t come away with the points and it will only get harder as former graduate Princess Ibini and APIA come to town.

APIA looked good last week, in particular the strike duo of Ibini – Yeoman-Dale backed up by the tireless Jenn Bisset. They’ll be tought to beat this season and will look to continue where they finished on Sunday.

 

NWS Koalas v Northern Tigers

The final game of the round takes place at Christie Park as the NWS Koalas host the Northern Tigers.

Not the start the Koalas and new head coach Adam Keramea had in mind on Sunday and he’ll be looking for an immediate response from his side.

As for Jason Eager and the Tigers, whoah! They couldn’t have wished for a better start and will need to build on that against a plucky Koalas outfit in the local derby.

*Don’t forget each of our NPL NSW Women’s matches are live streamed and exclusive only to NPL.TV – register for FREE today to watch all the action on Sunday.

By – Nikola Pozder, Chief Women’s NPL NSW writer